Spelunking in Texas

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The state of Texas contains thousands of caves, including seven show caves open to the public and requiring no special equipment to view the natural wonders inside. Spelunking enthusiasts, however, might want to explore the state's numerous wild caves located on private land and rarely open to the public. Joining a club that offers field trips gives you the best opportunity to explore the state's wild caves.

About the Caves

Most Texas caves fall into the Karst category. Karst caves are usually formed on a limestone or dolomite rock base with groundwater helping to create the cave's unique and fascinating formations. More than 103 caves are longer than 900 feet, with the Honey Creek Cave extending at least 20 miles. The deepest cave, Sorcerer's Cave in Terrell County, is 558 feet in depth.

Grotto Clubs

At least 12 caving clubs, known as grotto clubs, give you an opportunity to join a group of like-minded spelunkers who explore wild caves. The clubs include field trips to caves with many of the trips taking you to caves not open to the public. Grotto clubs give you a chance to learn how to participate in spelunking, including how to use ropes and cable ladders for exploring vertical caves. The groups also provide educational and cave conservation activities to help promote the health of Texas' cave system. Some of the groups, such as the Permian Basin Speleological Society in Gardendale work with land and ranch owners to help manage the caves.

Typical Weather

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The temperature in Texas in March tends to be very predictable, so you can generally count on the forecast and travel light.

The temperature in Texas in March is somewhat unpredictable, so be on the safe side and prepare for a variety of conditions.

The temperature in Texas in March is highly unpredictable, so use the forecast as a guide, but be ready for anything!

Safety

Carrying the proper equipment helps keep you safe while caving. Start with a good helmet or hardhat with a chinstrap, hiking boots, work gloves and old clothes you can get dirty crawling through small openings. Cavers should carry two sources of light in addition to a headlamp and bring enough batteries and spare bulbs to keep all of them working properly. For longer caving expeditions, snacks and extra water come in handy. Proper cave training helps keep you safe, too. Cave explorations should always start with at least two other experienced cavers. Share your caving itinerary, including directions and phone numbers of the landowner, with a responsible person who can send help if you don't return when expected.

Guided Tours

For visitors to the state or for those who want to enjoy some spelunking without joining a grotto club, the Longhorn Cavern State Park (longhorncaverns.com) offers a spelunking adventure. Located in Texas Hill country, the tour takes you through a cave that lies along an extinct stream bed. The 1.5-hour tour takes you past formations and through small passageways that are sure to get your clothes dirty. Participants must bring a helmet, a light, elbow and knee pads and a plastic bag to hold your dirty clothing when finished. The park strongly encourages you to wash your dirty clothing first before using the items to explore another cave.

Resources

About the Author

Nancy Wagner is a marketing strategist and speaker who started writing in 1998. She writes business plans for startups and established companies and teaches marketing and promotional tactics at local workshops. Wagner's business and marketing articles have appeared in "Home Business Journal," "Nation’s Business," "Emerging Business" and "The Mortgage Press," among others. She holds a B.S. from Eastern Illinois University.

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